NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 21 – The Athi Water Works and Development Agency (AWWDA) has been officially licensed to operate the Northern Collector Bulk Water Supply System.
In a statement released on Monday, AWWDA announced that the license was issued by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
“In recognition of the national significance of this project, WASREB has granted AWWDA the official license to operate the Northern Collector Bulk Water Supply System, effective from September 30, 2024,” read the statement.
The AWWDA emphasized that the licensing is crucial for the execution of the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) project, which seeks to enhance access to clean, reliable, and safe water for residents in Nairobi and its neighboring counties.
The NCT project includes the construction of a 12-kilometer tunnel, the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant, and a 55-kilometer pipeline linking Thika (Ndakaini) Dam to Gigiri.
AWWDA estimates that the project will provide an additional 140 million liters of water per day, benefiting Nairobi and surrounding regions, including Gatanga in Murang’a County, Gatundu, Githunguri, Ruiru, and Kiambu Urban in Kiambu County, as well as Ongata Rongai, Kitengela in Kajiado County, and Mavoko and the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Machakos County.
“The NCT project is set to transform water service provision for millions of residents in Nairobi and its surrounding counties,” AWWDA stated.
Charles Karondo, Chairman of the AWWDA Board of Directors, noted that the project is crucial in addressing the ongoing water shortages in these regions.
“With the operationalization of the NCT Bulk Water Supply System, we are not only enhancing water availability but also ensuring a future of sustainable water management,” he stated.
